It is natural for children to be wary of new environments and strangers. This explains why kids cry in the first few days at the childcare centre and the kindergarten. Some children only need a short time to get used to the new environment; others take longer.
If your child is struggling to settle in the Singapore childcare centre, you can do the following to speed up the process:
Spend Time With Your Child At The Childcare Centre
A child who cries everytime they are left at the childcare centre sees it as the place where the parent abandons them for several hours a day. Even though the child likely knows the parent will be back, the separation anxiety gets to them, and all they can do is cry.
You can make things easier for your child by spending some time at the childcare centre instead of just dropping them off and leaving. If possible, spare a few hours during the first week at the childcare centre with your child.
Allow the child to explore the environment with your insight. Over time, the child will become more confident and may become more immersed in the activities that your presence or absence will not be felt.
When the child gets to the point where they take off as soon as they reach the childcare centre, you can be confident that they no longer you to help them cope.
Maintain Close Communication With Caregivers
When your child is at the childcare centre in Singapore, they are in the hands of the caregiver. They are the ones who feed and care for the child. They also rely on the information you give about your child for them to understand and care for them best.
You can help your child settle better at the childcare in Singapore by communicating regularly with the caregivers. For example, you can tell them how to soothe your child, the foods they enjoy, and what they don’t like. You can also discuss their routine, such as when they eat and sleep.
When the child finds a caregiver who understands and meets their needs, just like you do, they will cope better.
Gradual Introduction
You can also make things easier for your child with a gradual introduction to the childcare centre. For example, you can start with a few hours a day or a few times a week. Then you can progress to half-day before signing up for the full-day program.
The gradual introduction allows the child to become familiar with the Singapore childcare centre. By the time they get to your preferred childcare schedule, they will be comfortable with the caregivers and the environment.
You can now concentrate on your work knowing your child is in a safe space and happily playing with other children.
Establish A Favorable Goodbye Routine
Young children may not truly understand the concept of time and how long you’ll be away. However, they need reassurance that you’ll be returning. However, you need to make it fast. Prolonging goodbyes makes it more difficult for a child to let you go.
Give your child a hug and a promise that you’ll be coming for them at a specific time. For example, you can tell them you’ll be there when they wake up or after they finish playing. This way, they can attach your return to a specific activity.
There is so much you can do to make your child’s transition to the childcare centre easier. Not everything you do will work, but you can keep tweaking what you do until you get it right. Fortunately, once your child starts enjoying the childcare centre, they’ll look forward to it.